When you think ofFelix Hernandez, you probably don’t think of a guy who follows an intentional walk with a three-run home run. When you think ofKoji Uehara, you probably don’t think of five-run blown saves. On a night thatLloyd McClendondeclared to be the official beginning of the stretch run, some things happened that you probably never thought could happen.
Felix, for the second straight start, was less-than-stellar, if only by his standards. This is one of those things where we’re going to be disappointed by the result, even though Felix’s final line would look perfectly alright on most anyone else. 5.2 innings is the big sore thumb, and indeed, Felix threw 116 pitches without so much as completing the sixth. But he struck out seven, of course. And we’re trying to say this was a “bad” start.
In that sixth inning, Felix allowed aDaniel Navadouble before intentionally walkingDavid Ortiz.Yoenis Cespedeshit a big ol’ home run, scoring three and pushing the King to the edge. Maybe you saw that dinger and thought to yourself “yup, the Mariners are definitely not going to make the playoffs.” Lots of people probably had that reaction, especially withJoe Kellyand co. holding the M’s scoreless. But the Mariners had another plan: sell playoff tickets.
The ninth inning began with Uehara, one of the top relievers in all of baseball, gettingKyle Seagerto pop out andMike Zuninoto strike out swinging. In between those two was a singlingLogan Morrison, who then stole second. What on earth is up with you and stealing bases, Logan?!Endy Chavezwalked,Chris Denorfiapunched a pinch-hit single to load the bases, and up cameAustin Jackson. The center fielder doubled to score a pair, and thenDustin Ackleysingled in two more for the lead.Robinson Canowas next, and his single scored Ack from first. With two outs in the ninth, the Mariners turned a three-run deficit into a two-run lead. They even held on to win the game, which is it’s own kind of important.
Chris Youngvs.Brandon Workmanstarts this morning at 10:35am. But here,go learn about how to buy Seattle Mariners playoff tickets. In case the Mariners make the playoffs, which, you know, they would if the season ended today.
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